Name: Easy Challah Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-489992H9M39S
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Jewish
Ingredients: 4 cups bread flour; 3 teaspoons fast-action yeast; 2 teaspoons fine salt; 5 tablespoons liquid honey; ⅓ cup light-tasting olive oil; 2 large eggs; 2 large egg yolks; ⅔ cup water; 1 large egg yolk

If you’ve ever wanted to bake a loaf of bread that feels like a warm hug, this Easy Challah Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s that golden, slightly sweet, and pillowy bread that works beautifully any time of day—whether you’re making French toast, serving it alongside dinner, or just tearing off a chunk to enjoy plain. I still remember the first time I tried my hand at challah; the aroma filling my kitchen was nothing short of magical.

This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser and surprisingly simple, even if you’re new to bread baking. The combination of honey, eggs, and a touch of olive oil gives the loaf a tender crumb and a lovely crust that’s just the right balance of soft and chewy. Trust me, once you try this Easy Challah Bread Recipe a few times, it’ll become your go-to weekend baking ritual.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work harmoniously to give you that classic challah flavor and texture. I like to use bread flour for better gluten development, which gives the bread its signature chew and structure.

Bread Flour: The higher protein content helps create that perfect chewy crumb everyone loves in challah.
Fast-Action Yeast: This makes the dough rise quicker but if you want a longer rise for flavor, you can also use active dry yeast with adjustments.
Fine Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor – don’t skip it!
Liquid Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps with browning the crust.
Light-Tasting Olive Oil: Keeps the bread moist and adds richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Large Eggs and Egg Yolks: These make the bread tender and give it that lovely golden color inside.
Water: Lukewarm, to activate the yeast and bring the dough together.
Egg Yolk for Glazing: Brushed on top to achieve a shiny, beautiful crust.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own with little tweaks here and there, so feel free to personalize it the way you like. It’s a forgiving dough that can take on lots of flavors and extras.

Sweet Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon and some zest from an orange or lemon. I tried this once for a holiday brunch, and it was a hit with my family.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap olive oil for another neutral oil, and use a flaxseed “egg” if you’re avoiding eggs. The texture changes slightly but is still delicious.
Everything Bagel Topping: Sprinkle on top before baking instead of plain egg wash for a savory twist that’s perfect with cream cheese.
Mini Challah Rolls: Divide the dough into smaller portions to make adorable individual rolls, perfect for dinner parties or picnics.

How to Make Easy Challah Bread Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast and Mix Your Ingredients

Start by combining the water, honey, and yeast in a bowl. Make sure your water is lukewarm—not too hot or it can kill the yeast. In just a few minutes, you’ll see it bubble up; that’s the yeast waking up and ready to get your dough going. Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and olive oil in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Combine and Knead the Dough

Once the yeast mixture looks bubbly, pour it into a large bowl with the flour and salt. Then add the egg and oil mixture. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to start bringing the dough together, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes. The dough will be a bit sticky at first but stick with it—it’ll get smooth and elastic. Don’t rush this part, as good kneading is key to a perfect challah crumb.

Step 3: First Rise

Place your dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size. I usually set mine near a sunny window or inside an oven warmed to 100°F then turned off. This patience pays off in flavor and texture.

Step 4: Braid the Dough

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently and divide it into three equal portions. Roll each piece into long ropes, then braid them together—this step feels like a little therapy after a busy day. If you want to get fancy, you can try a four or six-strand braid, but the three-strand is classic and simple for a first try.

Step 5: Second Rise and Glazing

Place your braided loaf on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover loosely, and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the loaf generously with the egg yolk glaze—that’s the secret for that stunning shiny, golden crust. If you like, sprinkle some sesame or poppy seeds on top.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your challah for 30-35 minutes until it’s beautifully golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Resist the urge to slice immediately! Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes so the crumb has time to set perfectly. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.

How to Serve Easy Challah Bread Recipe

Easy Challah Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for a sprinkle of sesame seeds or poppy seeds on top when baking, but when serving, I often add a light smear of honey butter or even a raspberry jam—it pairs beautifully with the slight sweetness of the challah. You could also go classic and just toast a slice with some butter.

Side Dishes

This bread is so versatile, I often serve it with savory spreads like baba ganoush or hummus, or alongside a stew or hearty soup. For Shabbat dinners, it’s perfect paired with roasted chicken and glazed vegetables. Also, leftovers make insanely good French toast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve braided smaller loaves and placed them in decorative bread baskets lined with a linen napkin. Another fun idea is to cut the challah into thick slices, toast them, and serve as the base for open-faced sandwiches or mini crostinis at parties. It always wows guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover challah sealed tightly in a plastic bag or a bread box at room temperature—this keeps it soft for about 3 days. If you want to enjoy it longer, it’s best to freeze it.

Freezing

Wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or pop them in a freezer bag. From my experience, freezing preserves the flavor and texture well, so you can enjoy this Easy Challah Bread Recipe anytime you like without rush.

Reheating

When you’re ready to eat frozen challah, I thaw it on the counter for a few hours and then reheat briefly in a warm oven (about 300°F for 10 minutes). That refreshes the crust while keeping the inside soft, just like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Challah Bread Recipe without eggs?

Yes! For an egg-free version, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg, let sit to gel). The texture will be slightly different—less tender and rich—but still quite delicious.
How long does challah bread stay fresh?

Challah bread stays fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days when stored properly in an airtight container or plastic bag. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is your best bet.
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

You can, but the texture will be less chewy and a bit softer. Bread flour helps develop more gluten, which creates that iconic challah structure and density.
Do I have to braid the dough?

Braiding is traditional and gives challah its beautiful look, but if you’re short on time, you can shape the dough into a round or oval loaf—it will still taste amazing!
Can I make this recipe vegan?

You’ll need to replace the eggs with a vegan substitute like flax eggs or aquafaba and use a vegan sweetener instead of honey, such as maple syrup. The dough might be less rich but still quite tasty as an easy challah bread alternative.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely love this Easy Challah Bread Recipe because it brings such warmth and tradition into my kitchen without requiring fuss or special skills. Baking challah has become my little ritual for slowing down and sharing good times with loved ones. I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the joy of homemade bread that’s soft, sweet, and just so comforting—just like a real kitchen friend!